Xiaomi launches the Poco F1 mobile phone

Xiaomi’s attack on OnePlus’ market in India has just taken a new twist with the launch of the Poco F1 smartphone. The company had already confirmed that its new brand’s first smartphone would be launched on August 22 and indeed, the device is here.

The Poco F1 focuses on features that matter while at the same time showing some love to your pocket. The device promises fast performance thanks to its high-end hardware configuration that includes the likes of Snapdragon 845 processor, Adreno 630 GPU, and up to 8GB of RAM, but there’s more to this phone despite its modest asking price.

Related: The best Xiaomi phones in 2018

Xiaomi Poco F1 specs

6.2-inch 19:9 FHD+ (2248×1080) LCD display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
6GB or 8GB RAM
64GB, 128GB or 256GB expandable storage
Dual 12MP + 5MP main camera
20MP front camera
4000mAh battery
Android 8.1 Oreo, upgradable to Pie

As you can see from the specs, the Xiaomi Poco F1 is a performance beast, just like the so-called flagship killers, the OnePlus 6 and Asus ZenFone 5Z. The device promises incredible performance at an unbeatable price, but to achieve such a low price for a device that is as powerful as the Galaxy Note 9, Xiaomi had to cut some corners, especially on design matters.

Unlike other Snapdragon 845-totting devices, the Poco F1 has a cheap, rugged polycarbonate build instead of a glass finish, but this is a trade most will be willing to make just to get an extremely powerful device with a long-lasting battery. On paper, the dual-lens camera on the back looks quite average, much like what is used in the Redmi Note 5 Pro – and so is the front-facing 20MP camera, but with the help of the many AI customizations, the cameras should be able to hold up well, especially when in well-lit conditions.

Like many other phones from the Chinese maker, the Poco F1 also comes with a USB-C port, Quick Charge 3.0, 3.5mm audio jack, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, dual-SIM support, Dirac HD Sound, dual speakers, Bluetooth 5.0, and a LiquidCool technology to help with heat dissipation during gaming and other resource-intensive activities, among other perks.

Of course, there’s Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box with MIUI 9 on top, but at the launch event, the company promised that Android Pie update will arrive in Q4 2018.

Xiaomi Poco F1 price and availability

Xiaomi’s Poco brand has a specific interest in the Indian market, but this doesn’t mean the Poco F1 will be limited to this market. Given the continued expansion plans across the globe, the Poco F1 will also be heading to other markets, namely France, Indonesia and Hong Kong beginning August 27th.

What remains unclear is whether the Poco F1 will command the same price in these markets as in India. Here, the base model of 6GB RAM and 64GB storage goes for INR 20,999, the best you can get for a Snapdragon 845-powered smartphone in the country. The midrange version can be had for INR 23,999 while the premium variant of 8/256GB can be yours for INR 28,999.

The Poco F1 comes in four color variants of Black, Blue, Red, and Kevlar, with the latter specific to the special edition model dubbed Armored Edition. This model has a Kevlar aramid fiber on the back and is exclusive to the 8GB/256GB variant and has a slightly steeper price tag of INR 29,999, which is still under $450. Not bad huh!

The Poco F1 will begin selling in India on August 29th through Flipkart and Mi.com.